Cancer. Survivor. Celebration. Three words taken separately elicit disparate responses. String them together and they become fiercely encouraging.
On Saturday, June 4 Providence Regional Cancer System hosted its sixth annual Cancer Survivor Celebration with the mantra “finding inspiration, celebrating life.” The Norman Worthington Conference Center at Saint Martin’s University was filled with about 250 survivors, companions, caretakers and health professionals. Courage, humor and camaraderie permeated the room. Loved ones, experts, and those diagnosed with cancer gathered with one purpose – to celebrate the journey of surviving cancer.
Dr. Cobie Whitten, psycho-oncology consultant for Providence Regional Cancer System and a cancer program facilitator at Harmony Hill Retreat Center explains, “A survivor is anyone living with a history of cancer from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. We know cancer has an affect beyond the cellular level. It affects us socially, sexually, financially, and spiritually. Cancer affects every aspect of our life, including our loved ones.”
“Our Cancer Survivor Celebration is a coming together opportunity for survivors and the people in their lives,” says Whitten. “We cannot underestimate the huge affect cancer has on our caregivers and companions. We want to celebrate them and educate them as well.”
According to the National Survivors Day Foundation, there are nearly 14.5 million people living with and beyond cancer in the United States. Dr. Whitten estimates one in two men and one in three women will experience cancer in their lifetime. Due to these staggering numbers, Providence Regional Cancer System recognizes the importance to celebrate survivorship, support companions and caretakers and disseminate highly sought after information. This annual event, including breakfast and lunch, is offered free to the community.
The focus of this year’s event was on relationships. Dr. Whitten discussed how companions and friends can support cancer survivors. This has been a critical element of cancer survivor Julie Day’s journey. Day recently attended her fourth event with her husband. “I’ve watched this event grow from a limited amount of attendees to hundreds of survivors, caretakers, and medical staff from all specialties.”
“Cancer is a journey of many ups and downs,” adds Day. “The Celebration is a wonderful opportunity to gather up to date information on research, treatments, and medical breakthroughs – all shared in a relaxed atmosphere. It gives many of us the knowledge to make educational decisions for our current and future health care. Each keynote speaker and panelist brings stories of their own journey.”
“I’ll watch my husband Jon who has attended every celebration with me as he listens to a caretaker’s story. He nods knowing what each individual deals with. The person who is diagnosed is never the only one. The family, friends and loved ones are also diagnosed,” she adds.
Keynote speaker Dr. Anne Katz presented, “Cancer Survivorship and Relationships: Celebrating Authenticity, Connection and Sexuality.” Dr. Katz is a certified sexuality counselor and clinical nurse specialist. She counsels men and women with a history of cancer who are experiencing sexual and relationship challenges. She addressed the group with a masterful blend of comedy and expertise regarding the sexual changes that can occur during and after treatment. Attendees laughed, asked questions and nodded with appreciation and understanding as Katz highlighted the key behaviors for happy couples as well as physical concerns.
“The Cancer Survivor Celebration explores how the journey can be a positive one,” comments cancer survivor Fauziya Mohamedali. “There are so many inspiring stories about how you can come out of it and who you can be and what you can do after surviving. It is not all about sickness and illness but rather real stories and real people coming together to share food, gather information from speakers, laugh with one another and continue to plan for the future. The focus becomes on quality of life and what life has to offer in terms of family and friends.”
During each Cancer Survivor Celebration, it seems the favorite activity is the Discussion Panel of cancer survivors and companions. This year five men and women shared their personal stories of survivorship to an audience full of empathy and support. While each panel members’ story was deeply personal, the commonality of cancer survivorship was the profound connection.
Day shares, “The Celebration gives each of us the opportunity to meet others who are on the same journey. We learn about others’ struggles, new nutrition plans, exercises and even the dreaded side effects. We learn what the new normal is. It is humbling to hear fellow survivors bare their innermost fears and vulnerabilities. To be understood and to understand is a gift. Dare I say that? Yes, for me it is a gift. The gift of gratitude, acceptance and laughter. Admittedly, I continue to work on these three.”
Save the date for the next Cancer Survivor Celebration on Saturday, June 3, 2017. To learn more about the Providence Regional Cancer System visit the website.
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